Playa del Carmen is becoming a popular place to study Spanish, with several schools, plenty of options for cultural and historical excursions, and of course good nightlife and great beaches.

Solexico (35 Av. btwn Calles 6 and 6 Bis, tel. 984/873-0755, www.solexico.com) is a highly recommended school with a reputation for professionalism. Classes are offered in groups of no more than five people or individual classes, and for 15, 20, 25, or 40 hours per week (US$181–631 per week). All levels of courses are offered, including instruction geared toward professionals who have regular contact with Spanish speakers.Students can stay with local families (US$189–210/week with breakfast, US$210–238/week half board), at the school’s 10-room student residence (US$224–280 per week), or arrange for hotel and condo rentals. Ask about volunteer opportunities.

Playalingua del Caribe (Calle 20 btwn 5 and 10 Av., tel. 984/873-3876, www.playalingua.com, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. daily) has a spacious learning center with a leafy garden and small private pool. Courses vary from standard to intensive classes (10 hours/week or 20–25 hours/week) and are offered in 4–7 person groups, two-person workshops, or one-on-one settings. Rates vary accordingly, from US$110 to US$320 per week.Lodging options include staying with a local family (US$185/week half board) or in small, clean, air-conditioned rooms right at the school, so you can roll out of bed and be conjugating verbs in a matter of minutes (US$175–270 pp/week, including breakfast).One-time materials and inscription fees are about US$110; weekend excursions and extras classes, including Maya language, Mexican cooking, and wood carving, are also available for an additional fee.

International House (Calle 14 Norte btwn 5 Av. and 10 Av., tel. 984/803-3388, www.ihrivieramaya.com, 7:30 a.m.–9 p.m. Mon.–Fri., 7:30 a.m.–noon Sat.) occupies a pretty and peaceful colonial home, with a large classroom, garden, bar, and restaurant on-site. All instructors are university graduates with training in teaching Spanish as a foreign language. Group classes meet for four hours per day Monday–Friday and have a maximum of eight students, though typically just 3–4 (US$220/week, free enrollment and materials, ages 16 and over only).Private and two-person classes are also available (US$30–35/hour), as are custom courses for medical professionals, teachers, and other groups, plus additional activities like diving, Mexican cooking, and Latin dancing. Family stays can be arranged for US$210–245 per week, with breakfast or half board, while a variety of furnished apartments and student rooms, single and shared, with or without meals, run US$161–595 per week.